Home Throat
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Home Throat
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Can you get rid of strep throat without antibiotics?
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Lindsey Desoto is a licensed, registered dietitian and experienced medical writer.
Benjamin F. Asher, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He has a private practice in New York City where he focuses on natural and integrative healing.
Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus ( Streptococcus pyogenes ). It causes a sore throat, fever, and painful swallowing, making everyday tasks feel challenging.
Children ages 5 to 15 are more likely to catch strep throat, but anyone can get it. The infection spreads quickly, especially among family or household members. 1
Untreated strep throat may lead to serious complications, so visiting a healthcare provider is important. 2 Thankfully, there are some at-home remedies to help ease your symptoms.
This article discusses natural home remedies for strep throat to help you cope with symptoms.
Strep throat may go away within a few days without treatment . Still, it's important to visit a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment. Doing so can prevent serious complications from developing. 3
Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms of strep throat include fever, painful swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. However, most sore throats are caused by a virus and not strep throat. If your sore throat is accompanied by a cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or conjunctivitis (pink eye), it is likely a virus causing your illness. 4
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics , and symptoms improve pretty quickly. You can also try these home remedies for strep throat.
Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration and moisten your throat. Cool and warm fluids such as broths, tea, and popsicles can also help ease throat pain. 4
Raw honey is known for its antibacterial properties. It also works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by strep throat. 5 Healthcare providers recommend using honey if you have a cough and a sore throat. 6
You can swirl 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey in warm tea or water to help lessen pain and suppress your cough. It's important to note that babies under age 1 should not be given honey. 7
If you have strep throat, taking vitamin C supplements or consuming vitamin C-rich foods may help support your immune system . Some studies suggest taking vitamin C supplements may help shorten the duration of cold symptoms, such as a sore throat. 8
At this time, however, there isn't solid evidence that vitamin C alone can help treat strep throat.
Additionally, some studies suggest that high-dose zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of a sore, scratchy throat in people with the common cold . 9
Gargling with warm salt water can help ease discomfort and swelling associated with strep throat. It can also help kill bacteria and loosen mucus . 5
To make a saltwater solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt in 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm water. 4
Elderberry has been used for years as a home remedy to treat the cold and flu. Some studies suggest elderberry extract may possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria that cause strep throat. 10
One of the most common ways to consume elderberry is in syrup form, but it's also available in gummies and teas.
Sipping on warm, herbal tea can help soothe a sore throat. More specifically, certain teas have compounds that can provide additional relief.
According to one study, herbal tea made with safe concentrations of barberry , licorice , thyme , or oregano can relieve discomfort associated with strep throat. 11
For years, bone broth has been used as a remedy for colds and upper respiratory infections .
Drinking bone broth can help you stay hydrated, and its warmth can help soothe a sore throat. Bone broth also contains carnosine, which may help reduce the inflammatory response that contributes to a sore throat. 12
It's also easy to consume and contains beneficial amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Essential oils are a popular remedy to ease symptoms of strep throat. A study found that thyme essential oil possesses antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. 13
Research also shows that lemon essential oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties and can prevent the growth of bacteria that causes listeria . This suggests it may also be beneficial in treating the bacteria associated with strep throat. However, we need additional studies to confirm its effectiveness in treating strep throat. 14
Although modern research on the topic remains limited, some studies suggest coconut oil pulling can reduce the number of strep bacteria in the mouth. 15
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic medical practice involving swishing a tablespoon or so of coconut oil around your mouth. It is believed to help detoxify and "pull" unhealthy bacteria from the mouth, leaving a germ-free environment.
Echinacea extract is often used as a herbal remedy to treat colds, viruses, sore throats, and the flu . Several studies suggest it may also help treat respiratory infections , reduce inflammation and pain, and have antiviral effects. 16
Other lab studies suggest it may inactivate bacteria that cause strep throat. However, we still need more human studies to confirm this. 17
If you develop the symptoms of strep throat, you should see your healthcare provider. You should also call your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. 2
Strep throat is a common condition that usually requires a visit to a healthcare provider and a course of antibiotics. Additionally, you can try at-home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids, sipping on bone broth, and gargling with salt water to help relieve your symptoms.
Dealing with a case of strep throat can make you feel miserable. The good news is that symptoms usually begin to improve within a few days of starting antibiotics. In the meantime, there are also effective home remedies to help ease your pain. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you'll begin to feel better.
Although some cases of strep throat may improve without antibiotics, it's important to take antibiotics to kill bacteria and prevent serious complications.
Strep throat is treated with a round of antibiotics. However, home remedies such as gargling with salt water and consuming raw honey can help improve symptoms.
Strep throat causes red, swollen tonsils and tiny red spots near the back of the roof of the mouth. There may also be white streaks caused by pus on your tonsils.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strep throat: all you need to know .
Nemours Kids Health. Strep test: rapid .
American Academy of Family Physicians. Strep throat .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sore throat .
Nemours Children's Health. Can I feed my baby honey?
Sienkiewicz M, Łysakowska M, Ciećwierz J, Denys P, Kowalczyk E. Antibacterial activity of thyme and lavender essential oils . Med Chem . 2011;7(6):674-689. doi:10.2174/157340611797928488
Kaushik M, Reddy P, Sharma R, Udameshi P, Mehra N, Marwaha A. The effect of coconut oil pulling on streptococcus mutans count in saliva in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash . J Contemp Dent Pract . 2016;17(1):38-41. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1800.
By Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD
Lindsey Desoto is a registered dietitian with experience working with clients to improve their diet for health-related reasons. She enjoys staying up to date on the latest research and translating nutrition science into practical eating advice to help others live healthier lives.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
Strep throat can be a painful and frustrating respiratory condition, making it hard to swallow, eat and sleep. Although the conventional treatment for strep throat is antibiotics, research shows that they only reduce the length of the illness by about half a day. They also don’t seem to affect time off from school or work. Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria is becoming a real threat, it’s helpful to try strep throat home remedies first. It’s also important to avoid close contact with others until your strep throat symptoms are gone; this way you won’t spread the bacteria and reinfect yourself.
Sore throats are pain in the throat that is typically caused by a virus. It can be due to bacteria, allergies, pollution or throat dryness. Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria. Sore throat is a symptom of strep throat and it’s also a symptom of other respiratory conditions. Both are contagious; they can be passed from person to person in any place with close contact.
Not many people with sore throats have bacterial infections. According to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, viruses cause 85 to 95 percent of throat infections in adults and children younger than 5 years of age. Viruses cause about 70 percent of throat infections in those aged 5 to 15 years, with the other 30 percent due to bacterial infections, mostly group A strep. Natural sore throat remedies should be your first choice, as antibiotic treatment will not help a viral infection. ( 1 )
It can be hard to tell the difference between strep throat symptoms and symptoms of a viral infection. Remember, while trying to make a self-diagnosis, that strep throat doesn’t include cold symptoms, like coughing, sneezing or runny nose. If you have a sore throat with cold symptoms, it’s likely caused by a viral infection and it’s not strep throat. ( 2 ) Try strep throat home remedies to find some relief from your symptoms.
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It’s caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, also called group A strep. The group A strep bacteria is very contagious. It spreads through contact after an infected person coughs, sneezes, touches your mouth, nose or eyes. The bacteria also spreads by sharing a glass, utensil, plate or even a doorknob. This is why strep throat seems to happen more often in the colder months when people tend to be in closer quarters.
Strep throat symptoms typically start within five days of exposure to the strep bacteria; symptoms include ( 3 ) :
The most common strep throat treatment is antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Research suggests that just mentioning a sore throat to a doctor almost guarantees a prescription for antibiotics, even though viral infections cause 85 to 90 percent of sore throats in adults.
Studies show that antibiotics are only somewhat helpful when used for strep throat. They can improve symptoms at 3 to 4 days and cut the length of the illness by about half a day. Antibiotic treatment doesn’t seem to affect time off from school or work. ( 4 )
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also used to relieve the pain related to strep throat.
Elderberry has antibacterial and antiviral effects. A recent study showed that elderberry can protect against respiratory symptoms during long flights. Researchers analyzed this due to the increased risk of getting upper respiratory disorders and virus and bacteria-induced respiratory infections on flights. They found that the travelers returning from overseas, who used elderberry, showed fewer respiratory symptoms than the placebo group. ( 5 )
You can drink elderberry tea, take capsules, or use elderberry powder. You can even buy it in liquid form.
Known as another way to prevent the common cold , researchers suggest that there are many powerful echinacea benefits , including its ability to work as an immuno-enhancing herb that can stop the spread of bacterial conditions like strep throat. There is good evidence suggesting that the phytochemicals in echinacea, and one of its compounds called echinacein, can keep bacteria and viruses from entering healthy cells. ( 6 )
Echinacea can also be used to relieve pain related to strep throat, such as sore throat, headaches and body aches. It has anti-inflammatory effects that will help to reduce swelling in the throat and tonsils. Take echinacea in liquid form, as a tea or in capsule form as soon as symptoms appear.
Use vitamin C to boost your immune system, repair tissue damage in the throat and decrease your risk of a wide range of illnesses. Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C to fight off an oncoming infection. Take 4,000 milligrams per day to get rid of an infection already in your system. ( 7 ) If you have strep throat and need to boost your vitamin C consumption, take a supplement and eat vitamin C foods like oranges, kale, strawberries, grapefruit and kiwi. If you are having trouble swallowing, try making a smoothie.
Researchers have studied the link between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections for years. Scientific evidence shows the important role vitamin D plays in the immune system because of its antimicrobial defenses. A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and the recurrence of respiratory conditions caused by group A strep bacteria. ( 8 )
A daily dose of raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. This helps to boost the immune system and is one of several soothing strep throat home remedies. According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, honey’s healing property is due to its antibacterial activity, ability to maintain a moist wound condition and its thick consistency that helps to create a protective barrier to prevent infection. Studies have found that medical grade honeys have strong bactericidal activity to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause several life-threatening infections in humans. ( 9 )
Bone broth helps to keep you hydrated and it provides minerals that you need to boost your immune system. It’s soothing and easy to eat when you are suffering from a sore throat or swollen tonsils due to strep throat. Bone broth contains minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and sulphur. It also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce swelling and joint pain. ( 10 )
Instead of spending hours making bone broth from scratch, use protein powder made from bone broth to help you recover from strep throat quickly. Drink warm bone broth throughout the day.
Drink herbal tea to soothe your throat, ease pain and treat inflammation of the mucous membranes. Chamomile tea is a great choice because the plant is loaded with antioxidants that help reduce pain, congestion, swelling and redness. ( 11 ) Dandelion tea is another one of the strep throat home remedies because it is used to treat infections, ease an upset stomach and boost your immune system.
Sipping apple cider vinegar is an easy way to treat strep throat naturally. Apple cider vinegar has powerful healing compounds such as acetic acid, which can kill dangerous bacteria while helping the growth of beneficial bacteria. Because acetic acid kills unwanted bacteria when it comes into contact with it, this natural compound practically acts as a natural antibiotic. ( 12 )
Gargling with pink Himalayan salt water helps to reduce swelling, soothes a sore throat and creates an unpleasant environment for bacteria in your mouth. Salt temporarily increases the pH balance of your mouth, creating an alkaline environment that makes it hard for bacteria to survive. Himalayan salt is known to improve respiratory conditions because it’s an antibacterial agent. It has anti-inflammatory properties and it removes pathogens from the mouth when gargled or swallowed. ( 13 )
Research shows that oil pulling has the power to reduce the presence of strep bacteria in the mouth. Use it as a tool to maintain oral health. ( 14 )
Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria from the mouth. It works as an oral det
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